On Friday 3rd February, I met a group of local people who have had a stroke and their carers, at an event organised by the Stroke Association at the Brite Centre in Braunstone. Volunteers who run support groups for people who have had a stroke and their families in Leicester and Leicestershire also came along, including 4ward Strokes and the Leicester Stroke Club.
The patients and their families told me that whilst there have been big improvements in the services provided immediately after someone has had a stroke– such as quickly getting patients scanned and giving them vital ‘clot busting’ drugs – there are still real issues that need to be addressed.
We need to do even more to raise awareness about strokes and their symptoms. After care and support services in the community are also crucial in helping people properly recover from a stroke. Patients need proper access to physiotherapists and occupational therapists as well as support from home care assistants, and carers need better information, advice and more respite breaks.
I was really pleased that Sue Chance, from the NHS Early Support Discharge Service for Stroke came to the meeting. She told me how the service, which is being run by our local hospitals, helps make sure patients can leave hospital as soon as they are able to, and to recover with the right support in their own home.
I’m very grateful to the Stroke Association for organising this meeting. I’m determined to ensure the views and experiences of patients and their carers guide the work I’m doing, both as the MP for Leicester West and a member of Labour’s Shadow Health team.
